David Richard Montgomery's Obituary
David Richard Montgomery, age 77 of Grenola, Kansas passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at his home.
David was born November 15, 1945 in Portland, Oregon to Richard and Vivian (VanWinkle) Montgomery. From an early age, he was a man that took care of those around him. His father passed away on Father’s Day when David was 11 years old, and his mother told him he was now the man of the house. As a result, he got a paper route, and used his pay to help the family get through tough times.
He never stopped working, and soon after high school, David went to work for the BNSF Railroad. He dedicated many years to them, retiring as a Railroad Clerk. He decided to move to Kansas after helping a friend move to Grenola and falling in love with the area and the people. His friend told him that he needed to move to Kansas and marry a Kansas farm girl.
In the late 90’s, David met Barbara Webster on a dating website her coworkers had signed her up for as a joke. She wasn’t interested in the men that they chose but read Dave’s profile and something clicked. They dated some, but each went their separate ways until one day David showed up on her doorstep to deliver a Red Wheel pizza that Barbara had bought from a student, who turned out to be David’s grandson. The Red Wheel pizza sealed the deal, David got his Kansas farm girl, and they got married on March 14, 2000, spending the next 23 years together. Together they loved to travel, pulling their camper all over the country, and in 2019 took an Alien trip, visiting Roswell, Carlsbad Caverns, the Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon and the Indian Cliff Dwellings.
David loved spending time with his friends and family. He liked to pull pranks on people so much that his grandkids called him “teaser”. He enjoyed taking care of his honey bees, and called them his girlfriends. He was a loving husband, a good friend, and a great grandpa.
David is survived by his wife, Barbara
Children
Andy Gillis and wife Cathy of Atlanta, KS
Heather Bottoms and husband Terry of Rosalia, KS
5 grandchildren (Jaycee Gillis, Casey Gillis, Avery Bottoms, Sadie Bottoms, and Daniel Bottoms)
He was preceded in death by his parents
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Grenola Christian Church. The family will hold a private inurnment at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Grenola Christian Church and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?